Reducing reliance on restrictive housing or solitary confinement has gained widespread acceptance; the potential harm to incarcerated individuals, specifically those with serious medical and psychiatric needs, is well-documented by NCCHC and others. The Massachusetts Department of Correction implemented a behavior assessment and program-intervention model to replace restrictive housing in managing threats and misconduct. The presenters will share how this unique model has eliminated the use of restrictive housing, discuss the impact on facility culture, and share early outcomes.

Educational Objectives

• Explain the potential harms of restrictive housing and solitary confinement
• Describe the Massachusetts Department of Correction's model for the separation of individuals who pose a risk to the institution
• Define program interventions that target clinical and criminogenic needs underlying institutional threats and misconduct

Level: Basic